Mercedes-AMG A35 vs. Volkswagen Golf R | PistonHeads

From launch, the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf R has been the grown-up hot hatch to beat: fast, capable and classy, it's offered a package that's very hard to argue with.
Mercedes-AMG believes it's made something better, though, with the new A35. It boasts near identical power, performance and weight figures, plus the jazzy new A-Class interior, but can it be a better hot hatch than the Golf? Dan Prosser heads to Wales to find out.
Subscribe to PistonHeads: bit.ly/2aKvdVO
Facebook - / pistonheads
Instagram - / pistonheads
Twitter - / pistonheads
Video by Harry Rudd

[@nevarran]

Damn, that sheep at 09:06 :) You were really close at testing that A35's safety.

[@andyp8464]

happened to me a few weeks ago in wales (probably on the same road ! ). had to take evasive action at 60mph

[@ZZGTKING]

What would happen if the sheep got killed

[@YusufGinnah]

HAHAHAHAAAA.... I thought i'd sound a little perdantic if i mentioned that... Good shot..!

[@marco1173]

Try a donkey! I almost hit one once going 160 km/h

[@willpark7483]

ZZGTKING one less welsh person

[@limpunsing224]

It's A35 for me Simply because I'm tired looking at the Golf in general Great comparo review

[@604billyboy]

The Mercs interior is money... just amazing

[@FarideLadak]

£ 10,000 more

[@604billyboy]

@@FarideLadak I'd take the Golf R and keep the 10k cred lol

[@makodafuq8711]

@@FarideLadak lol ne R is same money as A35 which makes AmG ileven better value

[@FortunateLee98]

Looks very appealing and futuristic, but the materials used are pretty crap mate

[@creatineenjoyer7345]

@@makodafuq8711 mk8r is the same momey, mk7r was cheaper

[@BLWard-ht3qw]

Those Golf R's are deceiving. They look tame, but they're quite powerful.

[@Greg.Newton13]

I've had both, and the 35 for the last couple of years. It's really close, but the 35 just shades it for me. Interior, and the 0-60 just feels more fun.

[@CrArC]

A35 my preference too. The last Golf I found exciting was the mk4!!

[@Tristar_Darren]

Owned a '64 plate Golf R for 4.5 years & I love owning & driving it!...right up until small penny pinching quality issues started to reveal themselves. Car has only done 37k but now has 11 water leaks into the cabin via various poor quality door, speaker & tailgate seals. The foot wells are regularly flooded during relatively moderate showers. I’ve owned older, less expensive cars with far superior sealing against the weather. Safe to say the Merc AMG A35 & BMW M2 Comp are now on my shopping list.

[@TheModManu]

Mercs interior is just like nothing else really, it looks so airy and comfy and clean

[@TDS981]

The fact that MB have had to copy it and here we are still comparing it 5yrs after release says a lot! Great cars, featured one on my channel.

[@henryhealy]

I wouldn’t really say MB have copied the R. It’s just another entry into the ~300bhp hot hatch club which everyone is doing right now.

[@rare6499]

Don’t think VW were the first to make a 4 cylinder turbo AWD hatchback...

[@escos0410]

We’ve just bought a merc. Had fords since learning to drive (27years) Took a golf R and yeah extremely good brilliant in fact! but the mercs interior is just wow!!! let’s face it your not gonna be balls out all the time and I’d rather be sat in something that is just WOW! the info system alone won it for me!!

[@staycasual7203]

Russell Donaldson fair comment, but put your bollox away, yeah mate. FFS.

[@escos0410]

Stay Casual mid life crisis m8 😂😂

[@einfelder8262]

Ford is known for garish interiors, so no surprise that a Golf is too tasteful for a Ford fan. For me, the round silver vents are a real low renter's thing, and Merc has used them for some time in all their cars. The touch dash is not enough to negate that awful spectre. When playing catch up it's easy for other wannabes to "outdo" the R in certain areas, and trap the unwary. Like the fading brakes, for example, and the bounce exhibited by the Merc in the video reeks of cost cutting in areas the bling lovers don't see.

[@staycasual7203]

Russell Donaldson if mine were that big I’d get em out too to be fair

[@YusufGinnah]

@@einfelder8262 Point agreed, the Golf R has held onto that mantle for the last 5 years and still isn't giving any ground to a newcomer that has been specifically designed to beat the R at it's own game... Why else would the power and torque figures be so closely aligned and that's in addition to the mechanical engineering highlights like dual clutch and front-biased all wheel drive. All i can say is, the A35 hasn't been made future-proof at all, considering the Golf R being replaced in a few months and then the A35 isn't going to even be worth the conversation, Cheers guys

[@paddydowney6269]

Here in Ireland, the price of the a35 is bizarrely expensive, almost €15,000 more than the golf R (€50k v €65k). If the mk8 is similar spec and price, it’ll be a non-event as a comparison

[@SENTlNEL]

and in finland i can get the mercedes cheaper

[@richboy900]

Rip off Ireland, all motors are expensive here

[@staycasual7203]

Paddy Downey you’re I. Ireland though Paddy so you can’t afford it anyway.

[@FarideLadak]

Whoa, that’s crazy pricing. Are taxes that high in Ireland?

[@TheABS2820]

Base a class is $120k for me so...

[@DanLMH]

Golf R's are so common here in the UK, but I'd still have one (or an S3), if I won the lotto though it'd be an RS3 for me.

[@milinddixit6583]

Fully agree. I have an R and I see them everywhere, less S3s though but still common. My favourite hatch is the RS3 though, that 5 cyl is incredible.

[@gregsimpson9391]

Bought the AMG A35 - Reason - Wasn't prepared to wait for the Gold 8 GTi or Golf R - software problems and indecision on release date vs A35 already in the market - so popular they arrive in the country (NZ) and are GONE. I have the electronically controlled suspension and I have to say the car is absolutely superb on the road (this is my partners car - I run a M340i touring). Ergonomically, looks, and performance. Its now July (2020) and still no news on the Gold 8 GTi or R. Also the 8 is fully digital - touch screen. The A35 has numerous options to change parameters - and incredibly intuitive. So schmick. Its a better system than the BMW - it is THAT is good!

[@nathandepasquale9571]

A35 for me (I've driven both).

[@user-xh3wr1do7k]

Followed one in my mk7 manual R - couldn’t shake me off. I was unimpressed with the Merc.

[@Lamar96]

x The driver probably wasn’t trying or isn’t that confident. I’ve got a A35 & it’ll definitely beat a manual Golf R. I’ve owned a S3 8V and RS3, it’ll definitely beat the S3 & keep up with the RS3. (Also I’ve owned a dsg R & clubsport) the clubsport is a different level & will destroy the R & A35

[@MarcraM82]

Amazing Review! Only thing I disagree with is his transmission choice. I've owned both DSG and manual Golf R mk7 and the manual is so much more enjoyable to drive on a back road. No doubt the DSG is faster and better for city usage, but it gets a bit boring.

[@Trendyflute]

I dig the new A a lot (though I would take half of the aero bits off of the A35 and leave them for the A45; that wing, the front dive planes...it's a bit much) but Mk7 GTIs and Golf Rs are just SO GOOD for the money, they don't just beat stuff in their own segment, they make you ask...is it worth buying a 3-series or C-class? Is it worth buying a Macan? Is it worth buying half of what Audi makes? When you can get a Mk7 GTI or Golf R, the smart answer is usually...no!

[@burakacar2854]

I didn't know that A35 sounds almost perfect

[@jdavidblais]

the 1st gen of the A45 and GLA45 sound WAYYY better

[@ScottZ370]

It's almost annoying how good the Golf R is, sounds like he almost resented it for still being the best!

[@zildmaster]

We don't get the A35 in hatchback form in the US, so it's the R for me. Shame, there are so many great cars we can't get here. Time to move I guess!

[@carenthusiast3662]

but at least you get cheap fuel in the US! lol

[@zildmaster]

@@carenthusiast3662 Fair enough! I had an interesting altercation with a MB twitter account the other day. They said the A35 might be coming over here. Not sure if it would be in hatchback guise though. Most likely the sedan which sucks!

[@carenthusiast3662]

the thing is Dan if I lived in the States I would only be interested in V8s, id consider 4 cylinder engines like a lawnmower 😄 currently, 99RON petrol is £1.40 a litre (£5.30 a US gallon = $6.64!) I do a 55 mile round trip commute daily so theres no way i'll be able to afford a V8, even the likes of a naturally aspirated Audi S4 4.2

[@mackaycreative6336]

We have it in Canada , I'm surprised the states never got it.

[@labmad5886]

I sold my Golf R 64 plate 49k miles Nov 2021. Really miss it, as as I do BMW 130i ! Mk 7 best looking Golf . Stunning in White. A Mk 7.5 would be perfect. So fast. Only sold it cos I miss sound of a 6 cylinder and bought 20 plate Merc C43 4 door which looks stunning in Silver. A great car but still miss the Golf. Only fault with Golf is its Manual mode. It wanted to change down if you prodded the accelerator to quickly ! Merc manual is manual ! (69 yr old car nut !) A great review Thanks .

[@ajunta2270]

Comparison is compromised because one has adaptive suspension option and the other one doesn't. So any conclusion drawn on ride and handling is pretty much useless.

[@backseatdriver8902]

Just bought a 19' R, it is an amazing little car! Wow! There is no AMG A35 in the USA, but next spring we get the sedan AMG A35. Just think the mk8 Golf R might be even better!?!?!?

[@LanceVance305]

Should of waited for the a45 S to be released fastest 4 cylinder engine with the most power bhp 421

[@andyp8464]

I wouldn't bet on the next R being better if it succumbs to stricter emissions legislation. also it wont beat the merc for tech for at least 5 years

[@backseatdriver8902]

@@andyp8464 Oh the MERC just lost to the old one on a head to head. The R is better, because I have one!!!

[@andyp8464]

@@backseatdriver8902 hahaha nice one. the merc didnt lose anything in that test. this is a pistonheads video. That's all i have to say.

[@backseatdriver8902]

@@andyp8464 The mk8 R will be much better, the mk7.5 is about equal overall as is.

[@MrRonan3]

Great review. the golf is not bad since you are comparing a car 6 years old now to a brand new Mercedes. i have owned 2 golf R and still drive and love it. thanks for an honest review,

[@PeterAndrewH]

Great review, actually one of the best I’ve seen! Well done.

[@DreamWorkDrive]

This might sound odd, but Golf R's problem in my eyes is that it's way too logical, predictable and not an engaging car...which ends up making it a boring car for me. But I fully agree with it being the best hot hatch for every day use...it does everything right without insane maintenance costs, but it's not an exciting car.

[@Kamukix]

I completely respect that, and the way that the R is designed is precisely the reason why I love them so much more than the other hot hatches. It's the under the radar car that is able to set a blistering pace without anyone raising em eyebrow when it is in view. I absolutely LOVE hot hatches, they're incredible cars, and I love the ones that set your hair on fire....but I love balance even more, and I love having more than one car so it's better to buy the more 'relaxed' or 'sensible' hot hatch and a sports car instead of the more wild and brash hatch and no other car (or a sports car, because then it's almost redundant). I know some people of course would prefer that VW just go all out and make a hot hatch to end all others, but I like their approach over the years more than that. Obviously to each their own. :)

[@MD-uu5nt]

Just get an Alfa Romeo 147 GTA. It's the polar opposite to the Golf and still looks fresh despite being 16 years old.

[@techyd8411]

Completely agree, I have a GTi a few years back and was supremely capable, but after 3 years I was ready to get out and drive something interesting. It’s just too everyday. The interior is too dull as well, and sticking a slightly blingier piece of trim along the glovebox is not good enough!

[@kevinworrall3331]

@@Kamukix exactly the reason I got one 2 cars in 1

[@JAG0071877]

@@techyd8411 I bet you miss the seats though. They are comfy

[@fireblade6756]

A35 thanks looks away better inside and out, and sounds away better aswell, driveability both the same but the roar from the downshifts in the 35 brings a huge smile to your face!!!!

[@tonymelnik2235]

I have a r stage 1, it just hammers sub 4 to 100 , I thinking about upgrading the brakes they feel a bit soft from time to time, if you want more just tune it you won't be disappointed.

[@bigbadryster]

Not everyone tunes cars. Lots buy new and get rid after a few years. Warranty is important.

[@Buzzshot_GW]

No way ur under 4 seconds stage 1 🤣

[@martinivanovski562]

Most of the interior in the A35 is from 150k+ AMGs whereas most of the interior from the Golf is from a VW up

[@nishants2691]

i'm sure the quality of the interior in the golf r is better than of A35's

[@mike786551]

Ya the Benz interior is all flashy but uses really cheap material

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

A45 S with 421 hp... Honestly, its going to be a beast!!

[@xIcarus227]

Hell yeah that's some crazy fucking power coming from a 2L engine. I hope it won't have reliability issues, it shouldn't if they engineer it properly.

[@rskundert]

My stage 1 golf r smoked it easily just test with a friend. Drag and from +200km/h no chance for de merc.

[@johnw2259]

Chris Martin reviews the golf r and merc

[@djd6610]

Really like your reviews. Would be interesting to pit them both against the S3, though I think the outcome wouldn't change!

[@markrhoden68]

Until mark 8 Golf r makes its debut comparing it to newer rivals in terms of its interior spec is a little harsh. The fact that the brand new model of the Mercedes doesn't beat the now almost 5 year old Golf design is a bit of a worry for Mercedes and others

[@really_rich8612]

Vw Golf R is no joke!

[@staycasual7203]

Really Rich bantz!

[@tomcravens1628]

....by the way, I have a new 2019 Red R-what a machine-what a great value!

[@tbz1551]

The conclusion completely negates the “generation forward” that the A35 cockpit provides... that matters.

[@johnyostler553]

own MK 7 R and love it!

[@CanadianMax]

Picked up my 19 R on Friday. Thumbs up for old tech dishing it out against the new boys. G8 R is going to be a beast.

[@davidpak]

The golf wins me with the amount of support aftermarket and tunability and reliability of that engine block.

[@milinddixit6583]

Remember the R has a sound "actuator" that makes it sound better than it is. Not sure if the A35 does or not.

[@Aegir-vg6oy]

the same for the a35. Even a 850i got it

[@milinddixit6583]

@@Aegir-vg6oy Oh no. I hate it in the R. But VWs uses engine vibrations and "enhances" them on the windscreen. I think BMW just play sound through the car speakers. I prefer VWs one but its still obviously fake.

[@WheresMyPencilUK]

Fast Estate vs Fast SUV next please. Maybe X3 M40i vs 540i Touring or similar.

[@KING0SISQO]

Based on these 2 cars. The a35 I’d take easy. If the golf was manual. I’d pick it easy. Shame the a35 or the a250 don’t do manuals. They are magnificent looking cars inside.

[@natelan69420]

The stick in the R is mushy junk. DSG is the only way to go in the R.

[@fabers92]

I'd still be taking a terrible gearstick over paddles any day. Not too long until there's no choice at all.

[@jhr2112]

Great review! I've had my Golf R about a month now and it has become my daily driver. My daily driver was a 2006 Toyota matrix, more of a beater car but I wanted something more fun to drive without having to take my Porsche 911 Turbo S to the grocery store. I ordered my Golf R without a test drive since no one had one sitting on the lot, and what a pleasant surprise. I'll have to say the Porsche doesn't get driven very often anymore and I have almost as much fun in the Golf as I do the 911. They make a great pair. 😀

[@tomcravens1628]

John-funny-we have some parallels-I had a Matrix 09, I have a new red R, and I never did a test drive------great performance and value!!

[@jhr2112]

@@tomcravens1628 I still have the Matrix, it's in storage and I can't seem to part with it. I ordered one of the special colors for the Golf, only took 6 months to get it lol, anthracite mocha. You are right about the performance and value.

[@gaycha6589]

Golf on rear space and outward visibility.

[@RobertOw83]

Great review. As nice as the Golf R is, it has to be the Merc A35 for me.

[@solefreak2]

Merc for me... Looks better, a much more nicer interior and tech and offers similar performance! Plus they not 10 to a penny as are the R's and S3's!

[@jitwarsingh1646]

Prefer the Merc, but lose the bodykit. Please make the one with the BMW a three way!?

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

With the A45 S aswell

[@Xenon0000000000001]

The conclusion in this video is strange. If there's nothing between them in terms of performance and handling, why wouldn't you go for the car with the vastly better interior? It's not just the more modern look of the interior either, it's better when it comes to practicality and ergonomics. For instance, the size and placement of the entertainment screen is much better for using the satnav. The touchpad and steering wheel controls make it easier to control everything while on the move, with the touchscreen there for when you're stopped. Then there's the massively better voice control. You can just tell it to "take me home" or "stop off for fuel on the way" and it goes off and does it. I've honestly got no idea why anyone would choose the Golf R if the prices are similar, which they are in the UK.

[@kingfunk6754]

Cost of maintenance, reliability and build quality. The Mercedes can't compete with the Volkswagen.

[@nikomoin7604]

King Funk reliability? Meh vws are not the most reliable cars

[@kingfunk6754]

@@nikomoin7604 more reliable than Mercedes though. At least when your VW has issues you won't break the bank getting it fixed.

[@YusufGinnah]

And at least it's true here in South Africa, that you'd probably get a better trade value a few years in with the R

[@Xenon0000000000001]

@@YusufGinnah The A45 has held it's value well enough, there's no reason to think that the A35 won't.

[@philmountain9290]

Got an A35 on order (with adaptive dampers) Seems a really fair review. Considered the R but too similar to current Cupra 300 and due to be replaced soon.

[@Dawood4]

The mere fact the Golf R is being compared to a Mercedes is pretty impressive!

[@BigBoss-ps6vk]

They were supposed to compare S3 with this A35

[@ellasOLE22]

@@BigBoss-ps6vk S3 and Golf R are pretty much the exact same. Result would have been the same i think.

[@Inspector7I]

I think it's an insult that the Golf R to be compared to a Chinese made shit box.

[@YusufGinnah]

And the fact that it's an "older" generation Golf and yet still trumps the MB everywhere. Can't wait for Golf 8 R... Woooohoooo....

[@ICEMANZIDANE]

The channel can compare whatever it wants. Doesnt matter. But trust me, most of the AMG customersarent even thinking about the golf...

[@notme-y1m]

Why are you driving in the wrong side of the road?

[@Niallboy1]

Manual with a short shifter is better than dsg on the R. Better as in more involving, not faster.

[@Niallboy1]

It’s definitely a great mod and well worth it. I went with Forge.

[@gekicherbeeren]

​@@thomasmckay332 I was not sure about that upgrade, so I started out changing all the shifter bushings on mine and I like it much better than stock. Might start with that if you are unsure.

[@Inspector7I]

If you want "involving" try juggling while driving....its vary engaging.

[@michaelbrathwaite7019]

I’m getting one of these 2 cars in September. Currently in a ‘19 GTI Performance Pack. Tried the Merc last week. The interior wasn’t that impressive; quite busy with lots of colours. What do you actually need to know when you’re driving? Sound was good with a very smooth power delivery. However, the contender hasn’t done enough to beat the champion imho.

[@MrRoyck10]

Good reviews but no smile on your face just bare speed, a sports hatchback if one can use that word is all about how it feels, drives and handles. The problem with modern sports cars too much emphasis are placed on speed / bhp, both cars are lacking on character, mainly the Golf R with a synthetic engine sound. I will compromise speed for fun factor known as smiles per miles.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

It’s because both cars are automatics. That’s why no smiles

[@abrahamosborn8788]

My ‘18 6MT Golf R gives me plenty of smiles, particularly when I’m surprised at how quickly I can go into and pull out of a tight corner.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Ozymandias Kok it’s because you own the manual transmission. Just a much gunner driving experience

[@Fanzo463]

Definitely A35 for me. Golf R's body shell is on top of the hatch battle. The A35 is not any far behind with the looks. The interior goes to the Merc, taking from what you say, I wouldn't mind being in a bit harder ride when asked for it. Well, u said it yourself that at low speeds the Merc feels just the way you asked from it.

[@nirfz]

I personally find it quite sad that they all basically build the same thing with a bit different look. I mean everybody and their friend builds a 2L inline 4 cyl hatchback and from these a fraction less than that build them with a hang on awd. Audi at least puts a different engine in it. BMW have "sold their soul" (beeing the only ones who offered rwd) and are now building the same thing with a different logo. I think they don't realize that enthusiasts want to have to choose between different feeling cars, not just slightly different looking cars, and all the non enthusiasts buy mostly by cost and colour options not by any infotainment features. Or the rich ones buy by brand name, and also don't care about 75% of the infotainment functions. I myself would prefer real dials in front of me than displays. Most of the displays glare too much, and don't work that great in freezing temperatures. And real dials don't have pixel errors...

[@fabers92]

nirfz Pretty much nailed it. I'm afraid to say it looks like it'll only get worse from here, I'm sure the next generation will be a 4 cylinder mated to an electric system. Then after that, pure electric with maybe the 'special' versions having an ICE. For all the reasons you list above I'd still choose a GTI for a new car. Realistically, there's so many more interesting cars to try from the last 30 or 40 years before they're all lost forever.

[@nirfz]

@@fabers92 I really expected the comming A45 to already have a small hybrid system (like the E53) to reach enough power to be able to beat the RS3 in acceleration. For a new car i would be hard pressed to name something i really wanted. As they sadly all are starting to incorporate more and more things i don't care, or find bad. For example some cars you can't even get without keyless entry and start. Which is an invitation for thieves... (In my "old" car you can at least disable the keyless start by taking out the startbutton which makes you have to start with the key.) A GTI would not be my personal choice, but that's just me. I think i try to keep my old E63 as long as possible. It lacks a manual gearbox and it is a heavy beast. But it still makes me smile every time i drive it. And it differes from an M5 or RS6 of the same time.(not like today where they only differ in appearance. When i bought mine (used) there were 4 for sale in my country! And only a 2 digit number of them were "on the street" here at that time. I never came across another of the same model on the street in the last 5 years.

[@protestagain]

I need massiv traction, and no attraction Easy to say which I will choose

[@deadstreet1675]

A car video on youtube without adverts!! Liked!

[@anthonyogata3828]

I really wanted a Golf R when I went shopping in late 2017, but when I was offered nearly $7,000 off of my GTI, that's sealed the deal. It was about a $14,000 difference. The demand for R's is extremely high over here. You'd better get in line to wait, and also pay a slight premium over MSRP in most cases. (California)

[@fatdoi003]

golf sets the standard for decades and the others just play catchup.....

[@RF.2017]

MK7.5 R all the way

[@DEWDLES]

Why would you choose a VW if you could have a merc 🤔

[@willpark7483]

rs3 vs a45s next ..... great review.

[@jrushen4235]

Excellent review, thanks.

[@lycanlord82]

Good review but you cant compare both cars for us when they dont have the same setup. Adaptive dampers make a massive difference to the car. You should have got an A35 with that spec. It's a bit silly coming from car enthusiasts when you haven't even got that part right? Not impressed.

[@tecknoid659]

Don’t know golf r outside is my appealing but the merc with everything else the interior engine exhaust notes

[@ICEMANZIDANE]

Ofcourse A 35, you can like other cars but in this case, A 35 all the way. I would even buy it without engine without tires, the interior is worth it. Seriously, look into a 7 series for exmaple and compare it to the entry level smallest Mercedes‘ interior

[@crocoman776]

Christ, you guys change your mind and definition of a hot hatch every few weeks, before we even start with what one is supposedly the ‘best’. I just like good driving videos of these cars as the opinions are like you know what when it comes to this segment....

[@justindtackett]

I own a Golf, that A35 is one good looking car! and love the looks of the Golf. The rear doesn't not communicate with the front ver well in the AMG. The golf has a design that looks good from any angle. Ide love to give that Mercedes a test drive tho.

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

Id take the Merc any day, it looks more stylish, and i love the sound it makes

[@natelan69420]

-stylish +douchey FTFY

[@lawiez]

R for sure, staying low key is better Getting the merc is just shouting to the world you can’t afford the a45s imo

[@sunnyd6291]

Hello get with the program not everyone wants 400+ bhp like the a45s so the a35 is the perfect stepping stone to more powerful cars lol you cant afford a merc so you have a golf lmao

[@lawiez]

Sunny D since when is affordability a criteria to have an opinion on KZbin? Lmao! And what do you drive?

[@sunnyd6291]

@@lawiez i drive the golf r but next a35 all the way mrk8 golf will not be advanced or as luxurious as the a35 .low key you can get the a35 low key and have no aero pack on it as your previous comment states a35 owners cant afford the a45s not to do with affordability it is to do with many aspects like is your wife girl friend happy to handle a certain amount of bhp the a35 caters for everyone speed,luxurious,brand and more importantly its not like the golf r a nd on every corner

[@automotiveflexing7689]

In your honest opinion the a35 is louder from outside than the golf R?

[@delboy2596]

The fact you can get the VW in 3 doors would sway it for me. Hope the MK8 doesn't go the way of all the other and only come in 5 door.

[@jameslove888]

Del Johnson not any more. The 3 door is not available to order any more in the mk7 Golf.

[@jj2950]

Neither is the manual

[@zishy92]

Golf r are way too common, which is for a good reason but the merc and its interior is faultless. Best interior on any hatch so far. A35 for me

[@christopherrobbertse3416]

Great review. When’s the mk8 review coming?

[@shahjahaAn]

The AMG does not look subtle when compared to the golf. Having an A45 for nearly a year now.. I miss the manual gearstick and hope the new civic type r will have an increase in power.. manuals will be history soon so would love to spend the last year's with it.. after all we spent ages learning biting points and stalling for what!

[@NZsarge1]

I haven’t checked in our market for pricing but I’m a little surprised that they’re so close on price.

[@ktmidol]

If I had the money to spend on car, I would blind sightedly go for Mercedes AMG against Golf R. I mean Golf just looks like a normal hatch. Who is going to notice the type R batch on the back?

[@sinorthey2507]

A35 is better than the older golf r as highlighted but the newer golf r is better

[@ssmufc9941]

VW will always be the king of the HotHatch category as long they keep making the Golf!

[@michaelh4484]

Great review. It’s my first one I’ve seen from PH. Subscribed

[@seinsmeld13]

RS3 vs Golf R now that would be a nice comparison.

[@kamaukinyanjui8739]

Awesome hot hatches any one is a winner

[@warrenladgrove6166]

Yep, excellent review, sick of other reviewers trying to be funny! I’m taking delivery of the A35 in 2 weeks, so it’s a win for the Benz for me, in Oz a fully loaded version has features e.g MBUX, heads up display, and many more not discussed in the video, which in my humble opinion make the A35 a clear winner, as was stated its ‘next generation ahead’ but then I’m biased as well 😊👍

[@eshanmirash2456]

How have u found the suspension on Aussie roads?

[@warrenladgrove6166]

@@eshanmirash2456 hey Eshan, happy to report no issues, but it is very much personal taste. I’ve had many cars including 3 WRXs and a Lancer GSR back in the day, so I am very used to firmer suspension. In my older age (55) with a bad back (fused in part) the A35 is fine for me. It loafes around town effortlessly in comfort mode. It is always a trade off of sorts, a high performance car will never be an arm chair ride, so if that’s your thing the 35 may not be for you, but if you want a true drivers car the 35 is astonishing good, best car I’ve owned by a long way.

[@jpch8814]

Gotta love Volkswagen they compete with Premium German brands and mid class Asian brands, they are the number 1 car maker in the world for a reason.

[@leokal457]

yeah they are Nr. 1 for a reason. They can cheat anybody and make record sales at the same time!

[@ElephantWhisperer222]

Toyota is actually number 1 in terms of sales and cars produced, nice try.

[@leokal457]

@@ElephantWhisperer222 yeah but its astonishing how many people still trust VW

[@jpch8814]

@@leokal457 In my country we don't have Diesel, so no one got cheated, they make well built,high quality,good handling and safe vehicles, they are upscale but not premium, so yeah some people like them.

[@jpch8814]

@@ElephantWhisperer222 Toyota lost the number 1 spot in 2018 to V.A.G, nice try.

[@keyoske]

Golf R FTW! Great review😎🤜👍🔥

[@paullockwood7219]

Brilliant review. I adore the Golf R. Its a masterpiece in hot hatch history. The VAG group have triumphed here, but what about its image? I live in Manchester and unfortunately it's the car choice of every hooligan and drug dealer in the area. Alternative hot hatch Car's like the M140i still have more class and offer rear wheel drive fun, than the Golf at a cheaper price. The A35 is nice but too expensive with the spec required.

[@Harpreet06]

Where I live, the car choice of every hooligan and drug dealer is the Fiesta ST. I get your point though, the Golf R and S3 are too common. M140i for me, I can't get over its looks. I'd rather get a 240i but then its not a hatch. The A35 is too expensive I agree.

[@marveysingh8157]

Paul Lockwood who cares about the stereotype ? The car is a bench mark hot hatch!

[@paullockwood7219]

@@marveysingh8157 So you've bought one then? 🤣

[@marveysingh8157]

Paul Lockwood nah I’ve got a MK7 GTI stage 1

[@paullockwood7219]

@@marveysingh8157 Nice car mate. In terms of image, and in many ways I'd prefer yours over the Golf R. The older you get the more you realise that that the cooler cars are the ones that don't look like they're trying that hard. If any of that makes sense. 👍😂

[@matthewbayliss8514]

Never would I thought you test drive cars in nantymoel South Wales how many times can you drive up and down the same road

[@optinumnutrition1549]

are you guys evn listening? It’s VW vs Mercedes

[@euan6495]

What’s your point

[@StringerBellz]

So?

[@robinmarples5198]

And what about the rs3?

[@longbowdt]

Great comparison. I'm a Golf-R fan so that's where my money would go. The ten thousand pound price difference would be used for tasty power mods, with substantial change left in my pocket. I'd like to see how the Mk8-R will be. Meanwhile I'm still enjoying my MK6-R.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

Which engine the VR6?

[@longbowdt]

@@cyrilmatthew2995 VR^ was in the Golf-R Mk5 and maybe mk4 all later models have a 2.0 turbo engine.

[@tomcravens1628]

You are very good at what you do

[@SamAustin]

Nice review and interesting to here your conclusion. I have a KZbin channel are my MK7 Golf R and it really is faultless......it seems like other manufacturers are playing catch up whereas the Golf R is already there :-)

[@fireblade6756]

or the A45 AMG

[@techyd8411]

It’s not good that you need adaptive dampers to sort out the cars ride, they should enhance and already good setup not put a sticky plaster over it!

[@TDS981]

I found the standard set up was good 85% of the time, adaptive set up makes it a bit less crashy in our potholed cities and an option to firm up and reduce body roll when on track.

[@rongambol9910]

Techy D Hear what you’re saying but it would seem that the A35 hasn’t achieved that. What’s the problem choosing the suspension that suits the conditions? Adaptive suspension is standard on all R’s in Australia. I have mine in comfort for day to day driving and switch it to normal or race when the occasion suits. BTW, sensational car. I don’t pretend to be a racing car driver but can manage to have a truck load of fun letting it loose on fast twisty roads. Give one a try, despite being a generation behind the Merc, but it may just surprise you.

[@TDS981]

@@rongambol9910 sorry for the confusion I actually own a golf 7r, did a similar video myself on it the other week.

[@rongambol9910]

Test Drive Scotland Think there has been some confusion here. My comment was in reply to Techy D but agree with you on the standard setup being suitable 85% of the time. The adaptive suspension comes into its own when driving on our roads in Australia. BTW, just checked out and subscribed to your channel. Great video on the R and beautifully shot. 👍

[@TDS981]

@@rongambol9910 thanks and sorry it is first thing on Sunday morning here lol.

[@hamlinhamlinmcgill630]

With the new Golf 8, the new R will have more HP and also a "R PLus" will come with almost 400HP. So it will be exciting.

[@markd8799]

I found the golf r somewhat dull to drive, but i get the appeal for the money.

[@garethmarcus4515]

I'm glad you came to that conclusion buddy cause I just got new golf r lol 😂

[@holahovito11]

M140i or Golf R????

[@RYves-dd4ky]

track test on circuit?

[@stevenagy88]

Nice video. Many thanks!

[@crazyfroggie6546]

Impressive how Merc managed to paint the A35 exactly the same colour as wet Welsh tarmac.. its invisible !!

[@djbradz7453]

Not picky, u can buy me either one 😂